10 Interesting American Bison Facts

I will show you the interesting information about the American buffalo on American bison facts. It has the scientific name of Bison bison. In the past, American bison was found in a large herds roaming around the North American grassland. In 19th century, the slaughter cases and commercial hunting for American bison was increased which made this species almost extinct. Moreover, the population was reduced due to the bovine disease that they got from domestic cattle.

American Bison Facts 1: the subspecies

It has two major subspecies. They are the wood bison and plains bison. The former one is characterized with a square hump and taller body. The latter one has more rounded hump with smaller body size.

American Bison Facts 2: the status of American bison

In United States, American bison earns the status as the national mammal.

American Bison Facts

American Bison Facts 3: the wood bison

The wood bison has large body. However, its big body cannot defeat the wild water buffalo and Asian gaur. In Americas, it takes the record as the largest extant land mammal.

American Bison Facts 4: the characteristics

The primary characteristics of American bison are spotted on the light brown summer coat. During the winter season, it has dark brown and shaggy coat.

Facts about American Bison

American Bison Facts 5: the male and female

The female is slightly smaller than the male one. Wood bison is big, while plain bison is small.

American Bison Facts 6: the length

The length of American bison from head to body is measured at 6.6 to 11.5 feet or 2 to 3.5 meters. The shoulder height is measured at 60 to 73 inches or 152 to 186 cm. It has the weight of 701 to 2,205 lb or 318 to 1,000 kilogram. The female usually has the weight of 360 to 544 kilogram. The male has the typical weight of 460 to 988 kilogram.

American Bison

American Bison Facts 7: the sexual maturity

They will reach the sexual maturity at the age of 2 until 3 years old.

American Bison Facts 8: the captivity

American bison may grow larger and heavier when they are raised in a farm or captivity.

American Bison Image

American Bison Facts 9: running speed

When American bison feels agitated, their running speed reaches 56 to 64 kilometers per hour or 35 to 40 miles per hour.